Immigration Reform Solutions

Passed by the state’s GOP legislature and signed by Republican Governor Gary Herbert in March, Utah’s plan is notable because it’s the first in the country that would allow undocumented immigrants to get a permit and work legally, after paying a fine of up to $2500 and meeting other conditions. The program is part of a larger package that includes increased scrutiny of immigrants who break the law. The compromise allows the state to address the economy’s demand for workers—thus reducing the incentive for illegal immigration—while satisfying voters who don’t want to reward those who arrived illegally.

I have long advocated a guest worker program. It is really the only common sense solution. I think the $2,500 fine is a bit steep, but if they allow them to pay it over time, I’m fine with it.

Will the GOP finally see this as the option we need? Of course, the left is fighting it too:

Like Arizona, Utah is already fending off lawsuits from the left. On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center sued to stop the portion of the law similar to the one in Arizona that enlists state and local police in the effort to identify illegal immigrants. In Utah’s version, anyone who is arrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor has to show proof of citizenship.

Arrested for a felony? How DARE you ask me to prove my citizenship. Could the ACLU be any more ridiculous?

We need to stop listening to both sides of the extreme, and pass common sense legislation. Utah has made an excellent start.

12 Responses

Indeed, this is a great start and a common sense solution. As for the language about proving citizenship after a felony, I actually agree with that as well, so long as it specifically states “felony.” With that said, I think the identity should be checked by a trained professional at the station once the person is brought in, not by an officer at the site of arrest. This is for two reasons: 1) not everyone carries proof of U.S. citizenship with them and should be afforded the opportunity to provide documentation not immediately on site and 2) in a stressful situation situation like a felony arrest, I think the arresting officer should be focused on the task at hand: arresting and detaining the suspect and bringing them in, not going through a long line of questioning and verification of federal documents at the scene of the crime.

I also agree that $2,500 is a pretty steep fine, however I don’t disagree that a price should be paid. If it is not allowed to be paid over time, I actually disagree with it. If it is cash up front, I would view it as a law that is designed to not be complied with, as most people who are illegal immigrants don’t typically have $2,500 of disposable cash lying around (heck, I don’t). Furthermore, if it is allowed to be paid over time (I think a five year term is reasonable) that it doesn’t come with some ridiculous interest rate attached to it.

It’s highly controversial that the US government would not make trespassing on our lands a felony, which goes against our fundamental rights to defend America from enemies domestic and foreign. It’s equally questionable why E-Verify, Secure Communities, is not the law of the land? It’s interesting point of view that Napolitano a Leftist, wants an overhaul of current immigration laws, even though the border is far from secure. Best defense is the placement of 4000 to 5000 National Guards personal to support the US Border agents, with full armed enforcement capabilities. Presently, business that hire foreign labor, never receive the hard penalties they deserve. US legislators should revisit this issue and introduce higher mandatory fines, and prison for more than three aliens employed. Business asset confiscation should go to a general fund, appropriated for ICE. When the Ronald Reagan 1986 Amnesty was enacted, that afterwards was NEVER enforced on reigning in on dishonest businesses, visa overstays.

To me shows further the governments disturbing inaction to control our border, no matter the consequences of the criminal invasion. The TEA PARTY is obdurate in upholding the 1986 Immigration Control and Reform Act and not trying to pass another law, to favor illegal aliens already here. Arizona brought this whole dilemma to the public eye, as Obama’s Liberal insiders didn’t like States usurping their power, under the Supremacy Clause of the U. S. Constitution. The bulk, but not all, state laws addressing immigration are preempted by federal regulation. However, the big problem regarding these laws, is what happens when the federal government, is not listening to the united voice of the people? Arizona has been especially picked out by this administration as a scapegoat, resenting the fact they are not doing their job at the border.

Daily I receive around 300 E-mails from people who read my commentaries from across the country, requesting even more information about the illegal alien situation. They seem to trust my opinion and facts, especially after visiting NumbersUSA web site. It might come a surprise to many that a considerable amount of these individual are from generations of legal Hispanics, who are very angry that they are suffering emotionally. That these people both naturalized citizens and permanent residents came here legally and jumped through immigration loopholes to follow the laws.

If you are of legal standing the TEA PARTY has a place for you. A TEA PARTY majority administration will invite highly skilled technical workers, who will not take advantage of the US entitlement safety net, but purge indigent foreigners who will turn into welfare charges. Businesses who hire illegal immigrants must be prosecuted to the full harshness the law. Find out more at NumbersUSA. Every prudent Taxpayer must take their Politicians to task whether federal or State, by calling their offices as soon as possible at Senate—202-224–3121/ House—202-225–3121 or locate these lawmakers in your phone directory blue pages.

They both sound like good ideas, the fine and coditions, as long as the fine can be paid with time, i think it works for both the immigrants and the local economy.

As for the proof of citizenship, i think thats the way to go about getting rid of criminals here, and like Ryan said they shouldn’t have to present it on the spot and the arresting officer should not be worrying about it.

this is a good start, but i’d like to see something like this for all the undocumented students who have their lives on hold.

Sparkle, the way we’re being treated by this administration I believe most Texas tax payers are at the back of the line that is around the corner and behind a pole where we can’t be seen. Until we can control the border, eliminate the incentives and cut the existing entitlements there is no need to speak of comprehensive reform, normalization or whatever you want to call it. And to say the GOP is screwing it up seems to be a shot coming from left field for you. I recall distinctly the meltdown that occurred when the GOP controlled the house and Bush tried to force reform via amnesty. Several democrats joined republicans when the vote happened and the message was delivered. That was the nation talking.

That Obama never tried shoving that type of reform down our throats like he did Obama Care is a testament to how volatile this issue has become and the old guard and ultra liberal leaders of the democrat party that pander to these people have been nothing short of treasonous in their efforts to incite the illegals to march for rights. Look at what is going on in Tucson right now with the Mexican American Studies program that is basically teaching Hispanics that white America took their land and should give it back. That’s Ward Churchill, Robert Jensen, Juan Cole and several others acting in concert with the administration to get done through the courts what they can’t achieve at the ballot. I believe Arizona is being particularly persecuted by Obama and we are in the calm waters of the wake they are creating as they fight this administration alone.

Until we get “Operational Control”, as defined by congress in 2008 and now being redefined by Janet Napolitano btw just please quit the emotional sob stories, promotion of short cuts, Dream Act bs and all the other methods that are floated to circumvent our sovereignty. The biggest mistake the GOP made was letting Ted Kennedy write the amnesty law in 1986 and then never forcing the implementation of any aspect of it other than granting amnesty. Illegal immigration exploded after that and it has to stop and those caught in the cracks will have to deal with their predicament that they got themselves into with their eyes wide open.

No more amnesty. Acknowledge the intentions of the 14th amendment and stop the anchor baby phenomena and take control on our terms, not under the duress of racial demagoguery. If that makes me extreme so be it.

Sparkle, the way we’re being treated by this administration I believe most Texas tax payers are at the back of the line that is around the corner and behind a pole where we can’t be seen. Until we can control the border, eliminate the incentives and cut the existing entitlements there is no need to speak of amnesty, reform, normalization or whatever you want to call it. And to say the GOP is screwing it up seems to be a shot coming from left field for you. I recall distinctly the meltdown that occurred when the GOP controlled the house and Bush tried to force reform via amnesty. Several democrats joined republicans when the vote happened and the message was delivered.

That Obama never tried shoving that type of reform down our throats like he did Obama Care is a testament to how volatile this issue has become and the old guard and ultra liberal leaders of the democrat party that pander to these people have been nothing short of treasonous in their efforts to incite the illegals to march for rights. Look at what is going on in Tucson right now with the Mexican American Studies program that is basically teaching Hispanics that white America took their land and should give it back. That’s Ward Churchill, Robert Jensen, Juan Cole and several others acting in concert with the administration to get done through the courts what they can’t achieve at the ballot. I believe Arizona is being particularly persecuted by Obama and we are in the calm waters of the wake they are creating as they fight this administration alone.

Until we get “Operational Control”, as defined by congress in 2008 and now being redefined by Janet Napolitano btw just please quit the emotional sob stories, promotion of short cuts, Dream Act bs and all the other methods that are floated to circumvent our sovereignty. The biggest mistake the GOP made was letting Ted Kennedy write the amnesty law in 1986 and then never forcing the implementation of any aspect of it other than granting amnesty. Illegal immigration exploded after that and it has to stop.

No more amnesty. Acknowledge the intentions of the 14th amendment and stop the anchor baby phenomena and take control on our terms, not under the duress of racial demagoguery. If that makes me extreme so be it.

You wrote; “I have long advocated a guest worker program…” You couldn’t be more right. You know all those programs like free school, health care, food stamps, housing, etc…that you Republicans say that Mexicans come here for? Well guess what? They have the same programs in Mexico and immigrants still come here. Why? It’s the jobs stupid. Most Mexican immigrants do not want to be citizens or want to be Americans. It is so simple: If you want to be a citizen, go back home and start all over, no amnesty. If you don’t want to be a citizen, obtain a workers permit, pay income taxes because you already pay sales, property and school taxes and stay in the country. Mass deportations will never work and bankrupt our country.

*note: I would suggest to you that you get to know Republicans instead of just spouting what you read Republicans say. I don’t think Mexicans come here for freebies. They do come here for jobs. They are the hardest working people on the earth. But the entitlement programs suck them in, just like Americans already here. For the life of me, I will never understand why liberals can’t see what is right in front of them. Generational poverty and government dependence sucks the life out of people. It’s immoral. People think they are being compassionate, but in reality it is destroying families, just as it has destroyed the black family. It’s way past time for reform.-TexasSparkle